Industrial Products: Case StudyCera System Verschleißschutz GmbH

Cera System Verschleißschutz GmbH, based in Hermsdorf, Germany, is the European market leader for developing and manufacturing ceramic lined engineered systems and technical ceramic components. Key competences include the design and construction of systems based on valves and elbows using ceramic components for highly aggressive or abrasive substances, as well as the manufacture of wear resistant parts in small and medium scale volumes. The company employs about 100 highly qualified employees at its headquarters in Hermsdorf and its sales office in Mülheim/ Ruhr, Germany.

As part of its strategic realignment, Seves S.p.A. mandated C▪H▪Reynolds to advise on the sale of this non-core business unit of technical ceramics.

The overall strategy was to identify a strategic partner that provides the resources and infrastructure for future international growth of Cera Systems. In 2012, all shares in Cera Systems were sold to Samson Group, Frankfurt.

Consideration and analysis of the competitive situation of Cera Systems and Samson was crucial in this transaction. Due diligence was conducted with several parties at the same time. One of the managing directors of Cera systems stepped down during the process was a situation that had to be dealt with.